GDOC Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Granulomatous Diseases of the Oral Cavity (GDOC)
IRAS ID
164615
Contact name
Maria Tumelty
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Clinical Research & Development Unit
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) and oral Crohn’s (OCD) are inflammatory diseases of the mouth which present as reddening of tissue, swelling and ulcers. They are prevalent in the west of Scotland. The exact causes of the disease are a matter of debate. In addition, whether they are actually two separate diseases, or different forms of the same disease, is still under debate. Whilst there is no doubt that the clinical signs evidenced in such conditions may present in patients in whom underlying inflammatory bowel disease (gut Crohn’s disease; CD) is established, there is also evidence that the process may work in reverse such that people with these presentations may go on to get gut CD. To date, much research has been undertaken to determine the cause of gut CD and also the immune responses which occurs in the gut tissues that promote the inflammation causing the clinical symptoms. In contrast, little research has been done to determine the cause and immune responses in the mouth that are characteristic of OFG and OCD. In this study, we aim to begin to evaluate in detail the immune responses associated with OFG and OCD. In addition, we aim to determine whether there may be a microbial cause or initiator as suggested in some literature. A comprehensive study into the causes of OFG and OCD may help to determine if these diseases are in fact the same disease or two separate diseases. In addition, the data from this study will be shared with collaborators with expertise in gut CD with the potential of identifying common disease characteristics which may highlight the potential links between OFG/OCD and gut CD. This may further lead to the identification of targets for pharmaceutical intervention improving disease outcome for sufferers of not just OFG/OCD but also gut CD. In addition, it will provide justification for joint clinics with experts in oral disease and gut disease to be established. This will further improve management of both conditions and patient wellbeing.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
16/WS/0159
Date of REC Opinion
6 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion